FAST DASH Safety Technology Evaluation Project #2: Driver Monitoring

Goal

To conduct an independent evaluation of a non-video-based onboard monitoring system (OBMS) and to determine if the OBMS system performs reliably, improves safe-driving performance, and improves fuel efficiency in a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operation.

Background

Encouraging drivers to make safe choices when driving can save on equipment costs, save on operating costs, and most importantly save lives. Numerous studies have shown the safety benefits of onboard monitoring system (OBMS) use combined with driver coaching and feedback.

Summary

The second FMCSA's Advanced System Testing utilizing a Data Acquisition System on the Highways (FAST DASH) program evaluation involved a controlled test on the Virginia Smart Road and a naturalistic field test with a CMV fleet. The evaluated monitoring technology varied significantly from other OBMS strategies. Using vehicle kinematic and network data, accelerometers, and a global positioning system (GPS), but no video, the OBMS identified unacceptable behavior and provided feedback to the driver, aiming to correct the offending behavior within a given period of time. Examples of such behaviors included speeding (based on the posted speed limit or other preset criteria), driving aggressively (based on kinematic sensors), and lack of seatbelt use (also based on sensors). If the speed or seatbelt violation was corrected within the allowable period (speed reduced or seatbelt fastened), no violation (i.e., infraction identified by the system) was recorded. The system also monitored idling and approximated fuel usage.